St. Kitts and Nevis Advocates for Cultural and Creative Sector at Upcoming UN Financing for Development Conference

The United Nations convened the 3rd Preparatory Committee for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in New York City in February 2025, laying the groundwork for the main conference scheduled later that year in Seville, Spain. This committee’s primary objective was to negotiate the structure, content, and overall aspirations of the 4th International Conference, aiming to establish a robust framework for global development finance cooperation. The meeting brought together high-ranking officials from various UN member states, providing a platform for international dialogue and collaboration on critical development finance issues. Saint Kitts and Nevis, recognizing the importance of this global forum, actively participated in the deliberations, represented by its Permanent Representative to the UN, Her Excellency Dr. Mutryce Williams, and Mr. Eustace T. Wallace, Minister Counselor and representative for economic and financial matters. Their presence underscored the nation’s commitment to contributing to the global development finance agenda and advocating for its specific needs and priorities within the international community.

Central to Saint Kitts and Nevis’s contribution to the discussions was the championing of the cultural and creative industries as a key driver of sustainable development. During the presentation of the Outcome Document for the 4th International Conference, the delegation emphasized the significant economic potential of this sector, highlighting its global revenue generation, exceeding that of telecommunications, and its substantial employment creation. This position aligned with the government’s strategic focus on diversifying the nation’s economy and leveraging the creative talents of its people. Saint Kitts and Nevis advocated for increased investment in culture as an engine for sustainable development, particularly within the context of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This perspective emphasized the need for a broader understanding of the cultural sector’s economic contribution, moving beyond traditional metrics and recognizing its multifaceted impact on SIDS economies like Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Ambassador Williams’s proactive leadership on promoting the cultural and creative sectors fostered stronger collaboration with UNESCO’s New York Office. This partnership aimed to create opportunities for Kittitian and Nevisian artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents on the global stage and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable national economy. The post-COVID development landscape presented both challenges and opportunities, and this collaboration sought to leverage the creative potential of the nation’s human capital to navigate this evolving environment. The partnership envisioned empowering individuals to pursue their creative endeavors, thereby fostering economic growth and upward mobility within a secure and resilient Saint Kitts and Nevis.

A significant outcome of Ambassador Williams’s cultural diplomacy was the establishment of the Group of Friends of Culture at the United Nations. This platform further solidified the commitment to fostering cultural exchange and collaboration within the international community. A meeting hosted at the Saint Kitts and Nevis Permanent Mission to the UN demonstrated the strength of this burgeoning partnership. Attendees included Ambassador Williams, Third Secretary Lecia Phipps, Mr. Eliot Minchenberg, Director of the UN New York Liaison Office and UNESCO Representative to the UN, and Ms. Marloes Lagerweij, Liaison Officer at UNESCO New York. This gathering reinforced the commitment to collaborative efforts in promoting culture as a catalyst for sustainable development. The discussions centered on strengthening cooperation through the Group of Friends of Culture, highlighting its potential to advance cultural diplomacy and international cooperation on cultural matters.

Saint Kitts and Nevis’s engagement at the 3rd Preparatory Committee underscored the nation’s proactive approach to international development finance cooperation. By advocating for the cultural and creative industries, Ambassador Williams and her team highlighted the importance of diversifying economic activities and recognizing the often-untapped potential of these sectors. This strategic focus on cultural and creative industries showcased the nation’s commitment to harnessing its human capital and promoting sustainable economic growth. The active collaboration with UNESCO and the establishment of the Group of Friends of Culture demonstrated Saint Kitts and Nevis’s dedication to cultural diplomacy and its belief in the transformative power of culture for development.

The participation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in this preparatory meeting served as a prelude to the upcoming 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville. It demonstrated the nation’s commitment to actively engaging in global discussions on development finance and contributing to the formulation of a more inclusive and sustainable development agenda. The proactive stance taken by the delegation, particularly in advocating for the cultural and creative sectors, positioned Saint Kitts and Nevis as a strong voice within the SIDS community and highlighted the importance of tailored approaches to development that recognize the unique characteristics and potential of individual nations. The groundwork laid at this preparatory meeting set the stage for further discussions and collaborations at the Seville conference, aiming to shape a more equitable and sustainable future for all.